Wind turbine

ABSTRACT

A wind turbine includes a turbine housing, a turbine wheel system housed in the turbine housing, and a wind power converting system for converting kinetic energy generated by the turbine wheel system into electrical energy. The turbine wheel system includes a turbine rotor being driven to rotate circumferentially around an interior of the turbine housing, and a rail frame guiding a rotational movement of a turbine rotor. The wind turbine not only allows airflow to move across and through the turbine wheel system but also allows airflow to be directed and exhausted to maximize and control energy generation. The wind turbine is able to efficiently convert wind power to electrical power via a turbine wheel system which allows for the load generated to be distributed across the circumference of the turbine wheel system instead of localized in the center as the traditional wind turbine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/175,828, filed on Jul. 2, 2011, the complete disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wind turbine. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a wind turbine which not only allowsairflow to move across and through the wind turbine but also allowsairflow to be directed and exhausted to maximize and control energygeneration.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

The potential for an energy crisis has never been, higher. Alternativeenergy, such as solar energy or wind energy, has got the potential toplay an extremely important role in the foreseeable future with theplanet's energy production. Alternative energy sources are renewable andare thought to be free energy sources. Wind power is now the world'sfastest growing energy source and has become one of the most rapidlyexpanding industries since wind power is considered as safe and cleanenergy, and is one of the cheapest forms of energy available today.

Generally speaking, there are two basic types of wind turbine, i.e. thevertical type and horizontal type. The vertical type wind turbine, suchas Darrieus wind turbine, is a type of vertical axis wind turbine(VAWT), wherein the aerofoils are vertically mounted on a rotatingshaft. The horizontal type wind turbine, such as Dutch windmill, is atype of horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT), wherein the blades aremounted to horizontal axis. The conventional wind turbine is generallycomprised of a gearbox, a pitch and yaw control motor, a traditionalgenerator, a cooling system, a liquid cooling system, a heat exchanger,and an oil cooler. The structure of the conventional wind turbine iscomplicated and required high manufacturing and maintaining cost.

Particularly, the conventional wind turbine further has severaldrawbacks. Since the wind turbine must be set up at a high wind-loadarea, the wind turbine can be damaged or destroyed by heavy storm orlightning. Hundreds of wind turbines must be concurrently set up in onearea in order to produce a consistently electrical power. Therefore, thedesign of wind turbine does not fit for residential building or highrise building since the high rise building does not provide enough spaceto set up the wind turbine. There have been instances in the past, whenthe rotating blades of the wind turbines have proved fatal for birdsthat happened to hit it. The design of wind turbine may destroy thebeauty of the land.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks andlimitation by providing a wind turbine.

The primary objective of the present invention is that the wind turbinecan simplify the entire complicated structure of the conventional windturbine by eliminating the components of gearbox, traditional generator,cooling system, liquid cooling system, heat exchanger and oil cooler.The wind turbine of the present invention can efficiently convert windpower to electrical power via a turbine wheel system which allows forthe load generated to be distributed across the circumference of theturbine wheel system instead of localized in the center as thetraditional HAWT or VAWT.

The wind turbine of the present invention is comprised of a turbinehousing, a turbine wheel system enclosed within the turbine housing, anda wind power converting system.

The turbine wheel system is comprised of a supporting frame, a turbinerotor supported by the supporting frame, and a rail frame coupled to thesupporting frame to guide a rotational movement of the turbine rotor.The turbine rotor is comprised of a circular upper rim, a circular lowerrim spaced apart from the upper rim and a plurality of blades spacedlyextended between the upper and lower rims, wherein the turbine rotor isdriven to rotate along the rail frame and circumferentially around andthe turbine housing in responsive to wind force exerting at the blades.

The power converting system is operatively coupled with the turbinewheel system for converting kinetic energy of the turbine wheel systeminto electrical energy.

Another objective of the present invention is that the wind turbine notonly allows airflow to move across and through the wind turbine but alsoallows airflow to be directed and exhausted to maximize and controlenergy generation.

Another objective of the present invention is that the wind turbineallows multiple energy output.

Another objective of the present invention is that the wind turbine isdesigned to reduce the complexity of manufacturing, transportation,setup, and overall maintenance requirements.

Another objective of the present invention is that the wind turbine,wherein the turbine rotor is the only major moving component of the windturbine, so that the traditional gearbox, yaw, motors, and pitch controlsystem will be eliminated to reduce the maintenance of the wind turbine.Thus, no complicated casting or component used or required.

Another objective of the present invention is that the wind turbineprovides a mono-rail system with multiple bearing supports to guide andsupport the rotation of the turbine rotor via multiple stands around thecircumference of the turbine rotor 204. Therefore, the mono-rail systemcan remove the loads generated from the traditional center bearings tothe circumference of the turbine rotor.

Another objective of the present invention is that the turbine wheelsystem is stackable that one turbine wheel system is stacked on top ofanother turbine wheel system to enhance the efficiency of electricalenergy production and to reduce the land usage to build the windturbine.

Another objective of the present invention is that the turbine wheelsystem is housed in a housing to protect wildlife and reduce noise. Thehousing is further able to incorporate with other forms of renewableenergy system such as mounting solar panels at the roof of the housingand/or providing space inside the housing for hydrogen generation(HOGEN) storage system for any excess energy production storage.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention with itsobjectives and distinctive features and advantages, reference is nowmade to the following specification and to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wind turbine in accordance with thepresent invention, showing the turbine housing being exploded from theturbine wheel system and the turbine housing incorporating with solarpanels.

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic view of the turbine wheel system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the turbine wheel system in accordancewith the present invention

FIG. 4 shows the blade pitch of the blade of the turbine wheel system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the power converting system incorporating with the turbinewheel system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows the rail frame incorporating with the turbine wheel systemin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative of the power converting system incorporatingwith the turbine wheel system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows multiple energy output of the turbine wheel system inaccordance with the present invention, wherein the power convertingsystem includes both the coil-and-magnet system and rack-and-pinionsystem.

FIGS. 9A and 9B shows the airflow straight through the turbine rotor inaccordance with the present invention, wherein FIG. 9A is the side viewof the turbine rotor and FIG. 9B is the top view of the turbine rotor.

FIGS. 10A and 10B shows the airflow straight through the turbine rotorto the roof and/or floor in accordance with the present invention,wherein FIG. 10A is the side view of the turbine rotor and FIG. 10B isthe top view of the turbine rotor.

FIGS. 11A and 11B shows the airflow from 360 degrees across the turbinerotor from outside to inside in accordance with the present invention,wherein FIG. 11A is the side view of the turbine rotor and FIG. 11B isthe top view of the turbine rotor.

FIGS. 12A and 12B shows the airflow from 360 degrees across the turbinerotor from inside to outside in accordance with the present invention,wherein FIG. 12A is the side view of the turbine rotor and FIG. 12B isthe top view of the turbine rotor.

FIG. 13 shows the stackable configuration of the turbine wheel systemswith alternative supporting frame in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 shows the wind turbine incorporating with a hydrogen generation(HOGEN) storage plant in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a first alternative of the rail frame in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 16 shows the sectional view of the first alternative rail frame inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a second alternative of the rail frame in accordance withthe present invention, wherein the guiding rail is formed at andintegrated with the upper rim.

FIG. 18 shows the second alternative of the rail frame in accordancewith the present invention, wherein the guiding rail is formed at andintegrated with the lower rim.

FIG. 19 shows a third alternative of the rail frame in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 20 shows an alternative of the turbine rotor frame in accordancewith the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thepresent invention provides a wind turbine which is comprised of aturbine housing 100, a turbine wheel system 200, and a wind powerconverting system 300.

FIG. 1 depicts the turbine housing 100 which is comprised of a top roof102 and a circumferential wall 104 forming an interior, wherein aplurality of airflow screens 106 are formed at the circumferential wall104 for enabling airflow flowing in and out the interior of the turbinehousing 100 through the airflow screens 106. The top roof 102 has an airvent for air circulation.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the turbine wheel system 200 being received in theturbine housing 100. The turbine wheel system 200 is comprised of asupporting frame 202, a turbine rotor 204 supported by the supporting‘frame 202, and a rail frame 206 coupled to the supporting frame 202 toguide a rotational movement of the turbine rotor 204.

The turbine rotor 204 is rotated within the turbine housing 100 when theairflow passes through the airflow screens 106. The turbine housing 100enables the ease of assembly on site. With known high wind-load area,the present invention do not requires a period of calm winds to completethe construction and setup. As the turbine housing 100 encloses theturbine wheel system 200, it will not be subject to wind loading duringassembly process. This allows for a higher and faster return oninvestment for the customer. The turbine wheel system 200 can be builtat ground level say along a ridge line with minimal visual impact. Theturbine housing 100 can be painted or camouflaged as required.

The turbine housing 100 further protects wildlife and reduces noisegenerated by the turbine wheel system 200. The turbine housing 100provides the ability to greatly reduce or stop birds, bats, and otherspecies from contacting any part of turbine wheel system 200. Noisegenerated from wing tip speed is eliminated as the blades are alwaysmoving in concert.

The turbine housing 100 also allows options for storage of energy andother means of energy generation. The outside surface area of theturbine housing 100 would allow for mounting of solar panels 108. InFIG. 1, the solar panels 108 are mounted on the top roof 102 of theturbine housing 100 for solar energy collection. Available space insidethe turbine housing 100 ideals for Hydrogen Generation (HOGEN) storagesystem for any excess energy production storage. It will be discussedlater.

In FIG. 2, the supporting frame 202 is comprised of a circular top frame208 and a plurality of supporting posts 210 downwardly extended from thetop frame 208 to support the top frame 208 above the turbine rotor 204and to support the rail frame 206 below the turbine rotor 204.Therefore, the turbine rotor 204 is supported between the top frame 208and the rail frame 206. The supporting posts 210 are circumferentiallylocated at the turbine rotor 204. Depending the size of the turbinerotor 204, numbers of supporting posts 210 will be varied to support theturbine rotor 204.

The turbine rotor 204 is comprised of a circular upper rim 212, acircular lower rim 214 spaced apart from the upper rim 212 and aplurality of blades 216 spacedly extended between the upper and lowerrims 212 and 214. In FIG. 2, the upper rim 212 of the turbine rotor 204is supported below and aligned with the top frame 208 of the supportingframe 202. The lower rim 214 of the turbine rotor 204 is supported aboveand aligned with the rail frame 206. In the preferred embodiment, theturbine rotor 204 is driven to rotate along the rail frame 206 inresponsive to wind force exerting at the blades 216. Therefore, theblades 216 are not driven to rotate but are able to drive the entireturbine rotor 204 to rotate. In the preferred embodiment, low frequencynoises generated from the blade tip speed (HAWT) is minimized oreliminated with the turbine rotor 204. Since all the blades 216 aremoving at the same speed relative to one another and no tip speedvariation, the noise inherent with HAWT will not be prevalent.

The turbine rotor 204 is the only major moving component of the turbinewheel system 200. So, the traditional gearbox, yaw, motors, and pitchcontrol system will be eliminated to reduce the maintenance of theturbine wheel system 200. Thus, no complicated casting or component usedor required.

An electrical de-icing system can be utilized for blades 216 utilizingelectricity generated heat. The electrical de-icing system forces heatedair across the blades 216 as they are in motion.

The turbine rotor 204 is enabled to be driven to rotate at differentdirections of airflow, wherein the airflow can be selectively guided toexhaust at different locations. For first Scenario, wind flows directlyin one side of the turbine housing 100, flows across the center of theturbine rotor 204, and exhausts by diffusing out the opposite side ofthe turbine housing 100 in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

For second scenario, wind flows directly in one side of the turbinehousing 100, across into the center of the turbine rotor 204, andexhausts by diffusing out of the opposite side of the turbine housing100 and through the top roof 102 thereof via strategically placedducting in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B.

For third scenario, wind flows directly in one side of the turbinehousing 100, across into or near the center of the turbine rotor 204,and exhausts through the floor via strategically placed ducting in FIG.10A and FIG. 10B.

For fourth Scenario, wind flows directly in from the circumference ofthe turbine housing 100, flows into or near the center of the turbinerotor 204, and exhausts through the floor and/or the top roof 102 of theturbine housing 100 via strategically placed ducting.

For fifth scenario, wind flows from 360 degrees across the turbinehousing 100 from outside to inside, wherein the wind flows into thecenter of the turbine rotor 204 and is then exhausted through either thefloor or the top roof of the turbine housing 100 via strategicallyplaced ducting (one example of air supply would be a decommissioned mineshaft with moving column of air) in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B.

For sixth scenario, wind flows from 360 degrees across the turbinehousing 100 from inside to outside. The wind flows from the center ofthe turbine rotor 204 is directed across the blades 216 from either thefloor or the top roof 102 via strategically placed ducting (one exampleof this airflow from a high-rise building with moving column(s) of airin center) in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 depict the rail frame 206 which is comprised of acircular guiding rail 218 supported below the turbine rotor 204 and abearing unit 220 coupled at the turbine rotor 204 to enable the turbinerotor 204 running along the guiding rail 218. The rail frame 206 is amono-rail system with multiple bearing supports to guide and support theturbine rotor 204 via multiple stands, i.e. the supporting posts 210,around the circumference of ‘the turbine rotor 204. Therefore, the railframe 206 can remove the loads generated from the traditional centerbearings to the circumference of the turbine rotor 204.

The guiding rail 218 supports the turbine rotor 204, wherein the guidingrail 218 is able to guide the turbine rotor 204 to rotatecircumferentially. In FIG. 6, the guiding rail 218 is formed in a ringshape has a top rail surface, a bottom rail surface, a top wheel track221 indented at the top rail surface, and a bottom wheel track 222indented at the bottom rail surface. The top wheel track 221 is coaxialand aligned with the bottom wheel track 222.

The bearing unit 220 is comprised of a bearing housing 224 coupled atthe lower rim 214 of the turbine rotor 204, and a wheel assembly 226being received in the bearing housing 224 and operatively run at theguiding rail 218. In FIG. 6, the bearing housing 224 is downwardlyextended from the lower rim 214 of the turbine rotor 204, so that whenthe turbine rotor 204 is rotated, the bearing housing 224 iscorrespondingly driven to rotate.

The wheel assembly 226 is comprised of a top wheel 228 rotatablysupported in the bearing housing 224 to run along the top wheel track221 of the guiding rail 218, and a bottom wheel 230 rotatably supportedin the bearing housing 224 to run along the bottom wheel track 222 ofthe guiding rail 218. Therefore, the guiding rail 218 is engaged betweenthe top and bottom wheel 228 and 230 to stabilize the rotationalmovement of the turbine rotor 204. The rail frame 206 will guide theorbit of the turbine rotor 204 to rotate for minimizing any lateralmovement thereof. With the complete departure from the traditionalcenter bearing supports, such as the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)design or the horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) design, the presentinvention moves the bearings from the center axis to the circumferenceor outside of the turbine wheel system 200.

in FIG. 4, the turbine rotor 204 can be rotated at either clockwisedirection or counterclockwise direction, wherein the blade pitch of eachof the blades 216 is selectively adjusted to control a rotationaldirection of the turbine rotor 204. The direction of rotation of theturbine rotor 204 is based on the blade angle of each of the blades 216.When the blade pitch of each of the blades 216 is selectively adjustedat one orientation, i.e. the leading edge of each blade 216 is to theleft of center of the turbine rotor 204, the turbine rotor 204 will bedriven to rotate at the clockwise direction. When the blade pitch ofeach of the blades 216 is selectively adjusted at an oppositeorientation, i.e. the leading edge of each blade 216 is to the right ofcenter of the turbine rotor 204, the turbine rotor 204 will be driven torotate at the counterclockwise direction.

FIGS. 2 and 5 depict the power converting system 300 for convertingkinetic energy of the turbine rotor 204 into useable energy such aselectrical energy and/or mechanical energy. The power converting system300, which is a coil-and-magnet system, is comprised of a coil module302 supported by the supporting frame 202 and a magnet unit 304supported on the upper rim 212 of the turbine rotor 204 and being spacedapart from the coil module 302. When the turbine rotor 204 is rotatedalong the rail frame 206, the magnet unit 304 is driven to move and ismagnetically inducted with the coil module 302 for generating theelectrical energy.

In FIG. 5, the top frame 208 of the supporting frame 202 is spaced apartfrom and is aligned with the upper rim 212 of the turbine rotor 204,wherein an induction clearance is defined between the top frame 208 andthe upper rim 212. The power converting system 300 is provided at theinduction clearance for electrical energy production. The coil module302 is generally comprised of a plurality of coil units 306 spaced apartand positioned at the bottom side of the top frame 208 of the supportingframe 202.

The magnet unit 304 comprises a plurality of permanent magnets 308spaced apart and positioned at the top side of the upper rim 212 of theturbine rotor 204, wherein the magnet unit 304 is spaced apart from thecoil module 302 that the magnet unit 304 is not contact with the coilmodule 302. Therefore, when the turbine rotor 304 is rotated, thepermanent magnets 308 will magnetically induce with the coil units 306for generating the electrical energy. It is appreciated that thepermanent magnets 308 of the magnet unit 304 are integrated to form aring of permanent magnet coupled on the top side of the upper rim 212 tomagnetically induce with the coil units 306. An electrical powercollecting cable is extended from each of the coil units 306 and isguided to extend through the supporting frame 202 for transmitting theelectrical energy from the coil module 302 to a designated storage areavia invertors 310.

In the preferred embodiment, the modular design of the coil module 302and the magnet unit 304 ensures the proper operation of the powerconverting system 300, wherein if one of the coil units 306 or permanentmagnets 308 fails to operate, the power converting system 300 willcontinue to operate while the rest of the coil units 306, permanentmagnets 308, and invertors 310 divert and add capacity output tocompensate. The malfunctioned coil unit 306 or permanent magnet 308 canbe easily monitored and replaced to reduce the maintenance cost of thepower converting system 300. Thus, heat generated is able to dissipatearound the circumference of the turbine wheel system 200. No requirementfor added liquid cooling.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative of the power converting system 400 whichis comprised of a rack-and-pinion system 402 and an energy convertor.The rack-and-pinion system 402 is comprised of a rack unit 406operatively coupled at the turbine rotor 204 and a gear unit 408 meshedwith the rack unit 496, wherein the gear unit 408 is driven to rotatewhen the turbine rotor 204 is rotated.

In FIG. 7, the rack unit 406 is a ring shaped rack at the top side ofthe upper rim 212 of the turbine rotor 204, wherein the rack unit 406has a top meshing surface. The gear unit 408, such as a pinion element,is rotatably supported by the supporting frame 202 to mesh with the rackunit 406. Therefore, when the turbine rotor 204 is rotated, the rackunit 406 is correspondingly driven to move in order to drive the gearunit 408 to rotate.

In order to transmit the rotatably mechanical power from therack-and-pinion system 402, the energy convertor is comprised of ahydraulic motor module 410 is operatively linked between therack-and-pinion system 402 and an energy output. The hydraulic motormodule 410 is comprised of a hydraulic motor is utilized that convertsthe mechanical power to fluid and moves it to another hydraulic motorsand converts back to the rotatably mechanical power.

It is appreciated that the rack unit 406 can be located at the bottomside of the lower rim 214 of the turbine rotor 204 to mesh with the gearunit 408 being supported by the supporting frame 202. The rack unit 406can also be located at the circumferential surface of the upper rim 212or the dower rim 214 of the turbine rotor 204 to mesh with the gear unit408. Therefore, it should not be limited the location of therack-and-pinion system 402 because the entire turbine rotor 204 isrotated and the rack unit 406 can be formed at any portion of theturbine rotor 204 to drive the gear unit 408 to rotate for outputtingthe mechanical power.

The energy convertor can further comprises an electrical generator 404for converting rotatably mechanical power from the rack-and-pinionsystem 402 to the electrical energy. The simplest way to obtainelectrical energy from the rack-and-pinion system 402 is to operativelylink the electrical generator 404 to the hydraulic motor module 410.Then, the rotatably mechanical power from the hydraulic motor module 410is used as a driving power to power up the electrical generator 404.

In FIG. 8, multiple energy output can also be achieved by the powerconverting systems 300 and 400. The coil module 302 and magnet unit 304are configured at the top portion of the turbine wheel system 200whereas the rack-and-pinion system 402 is configured at the bottomportion of the turbine wheel system 200. Therefore, when the turbinerotor 204 is rotated, both the power converting systems 300 and 400 areoperated for generating multiple energy output.

It is appreciated that the rack-and-pinion system 402 is embodied toincorporate with the rail frame 206 that the rack-and-pinion system 402is also utilized for supporting and guiding the turbine rotor 204 aswell as for transmitting the rotatably mechanical power from the turbinerotor 204 to the electrical generator 404.

FIG. 13 depicts the stackable configuration of the turbine wheel systems200, wherein the turbine wheel systems 200 stacked on top of each otherthat one of the turbine wheel systems 200 is stacked on top of anotherturbine wheel system 200. All the turbine wheel systems 200 are enclosedwithin the single turbine housing 100. Due to the scalability andstack-ability of the present invention, it can be chosen multi-systemconfigurations that allow any numbers stacked up to 8 systems or more.It also provides versatility and adaptability to any project size andsites. Building may be located on or near ground level as well. Customdesigns and sizes of the turbine wheel systems 200 are always availableto the customer for accommodating a particular application or specialrequire.

In the field, it will have floors between each two turbine wheel systems200. The design allows for ducting to be centralized for increasing thechimney effect to aid further energy recovery and production. Thestackable design also will allow for a greater output on an overallfootprint given the reduction in required lease roads, constructionmaterial including concrete, rebar, and overall land required to be usedto service a similar size.

When multiple turbine wheel systems 200 are stacked, the turbine rotors204 of the turbine wheel systems 200 are driven to rotate. Therefore,the power converting systems 300 will convert the kinetic energy of theturbine rotors 204 into the electrical energy. It is preferred that theturbine wheel systems 200 are stacked in pairs, wherein the turbinerotors 204 are alternated to rotate at opposite directions. When oneturbine rotor 204 is rotated clockwise, the corresponding turbine rotor204 positioned on top or below that turbine rotor 204 will be rotatedcounterclockwise. The alternated rotational directions of the turbinerotors 204 will help neutralize any gyroscopic effect during operation.

In FIG. 13, a pedestal 232 is mounted to the bottom of the supportingframe 202 to elevate the turbine wheel systems 200 at a predeterminedheight from the ground. In the preferred embodiment, the wind turbineprovides different installation configurations. For ground installation,one or more turbine wheel systems 200 can be setup via the supportingframe 202 by installing the supporting posts 210 on the ground. Eachsupporting post 210 is a height-adjustable post to be adjusted forkeeping the balance of the turbine rotor 204. Therefore, the windturbine can be installed on the roof of the building, especially thehigh rise building. The pedestal 232 would show the best results whenmultiple turbine wheel systems 200 are stacked on top of each other,especially the site having geographical limitation, wherein the multipleturbine wheel systems 200 will be elevated at a predetermined height bythe pedestal 232 from the ground.

The present invention is designed to reduce the complexity ofmanufacturing, transportation, setup, and overall maintenancerequirements. Many of the components are available straight off theshelf to streamline both the manufacturing process and reducedmaintenance schedule. The present invention further provides ease oftransportation to site locations by modulating all the components andusing cargo containers to ship to a location anywhere in the world.

It is mentioned that the wind turbine can incorporate with other energygeneration system for storage of energy and other means of energygeneration. The turbine housing 100 is built in storage spaces thatavailable for other uses or applications. One option is to have anonsite Hydrogen Generation (HOGEN) storage plant. The space requiredwould be equivalent to that of a 40′ cargo container footprint. Storagetanks for hydrogen may be placed as required for added storage capacity.FIG. 14 depicts the Hydrogen Generation (HOGEN) storage plantincorporating with the wind turbine of the present invention.

Application dependent with up to 92 MW equivalent hydrogen generated andstored energy onsite. This offers many new options that were previouslynot available to customers or utilities. Anytime conditions are suchthat the power generated is greater than the grid requires, the extraenergy is used to convert water into hydrogen and then stored in specialstorage tanks. When the extra load is required or supplementary powerneeds to be added due to less than ideal wind conditions, the hydrogengas is used and z converted back into electricity. Cost for this addedfeature depends on how much storage is required and how much energy hasto be converted over a given time frame. The entire process iscompletely carbon free.

FIG. 15 depicts an alternative of the rail frame 500 to guide theturbine rotor 204 to rotate circumferentially, wherein the rail frame500 is comprised of a circular guiding rail 502 and a wheel assembly504. In FIG. 15, the guiding rail 502 is formed in a ring shape and isintegrated with at least one of the upper and lower rims 212 and 214 ofthe turbine rotor 204. The wheel assembly 504 is comprised of aplurality of wheels 508, wherein the wheels 508 are formed in pairs asan outer wheel and an inner wheel.

For first scenery that the guiding rail 502 is formed at and integratedwith the upper rim 212, the guiding rail 502 has two indented wheeltracks 506 formed at two peripheral sides of the top surface of theguiding rail 502. The two wheels 508 are supported inclinedly andcoupled with two peripheral sides of the guiding rail 502, wherein thetwo wheels 508 are engaged with the wheel tracks 506 respectively toenable the turbine rotor running along said guiding rail 502. The twowheels 508 are formed in “\ /” configuration, wherein the outer wheel508 (the wheel at the outer position) is downwardly and inwardlysupported to engage with the outer wheel track 506 and the inner wheel508 (the wheel at the inner position) is downwardly and outwardlysupported to engage with the inner wheel track 506.

For second scenery that the guiding rail 502 is formed at and integratedwith the lower rim 214, the guiding rail 502 has two indented wheeltracks 506 formed at two peripheral sides of the bottom surface of theguiding rail 502. The two wheels 508 are supported inclinedly andcoupled with two peripheral sides of the guiding rail 502, wherein thetwo wheels 508 are engaged with the wheel tracks 506 respectively toenable the turbine rotor running along said guiding rail 502. The twowheels 508 are formed in “/ \’ configuration, wherein the outer wheel508 (the wheel at the outer position) is downwardly and outwardlysupported to engage with the outer wheel track 506 and the inner wheel508 (the wheel at the inner position) is downwardly and inwardlysupported to engage with the inner wheel track 506.

For third scenery as a best mode that two guiding rails 502 are formedat and integrated with the upper and lower rims 212 and 214 in FIGS. 15and 16. The configuration is the same as disclosed above.

In accordance with the present invention, the power converting systemcan be provided at the top side and/or the bottom side of the turbinerotor 204 to incorporate with the alternative rail frame 500. Forexample, the coil module 302 is supported by the supporting frame 202and the magnet unit 304 is supported on the upper rim 212 of the turbinerotor 204. Likewise, the rack unit 406 is supported on the lower rim 214of the turbine rotor 204 and the gear unit 408 is supported at thesupporting frame 202. It should be appreciated that the power convertingsystem can be provided any designated position of the turbine rotor 204.

FIGS. 17 and 18 depicts another alternative of the rail frame 600 toguide the turbine rotor 204 to rotate circumferentially, wherein therail frame 600 is comprised of a ring shaped rail members 602, a spacingcoupler 610 and a wheel assembly 604. In FIGS. 17 and 18, the guidingrail 602 is formed in a ring shape and is integrated with at least oneof the upper and lower rims 212 and 214 of the turbine rotor 204. Thewheel assembly 604 is comprised of a plurality of wheels 608, whereinthe wheels 608 are formed in pairs as an outer wheel and an inner wheel.

There are preferably three rail members 602, wherein two of the railmembers 602 are positioned at same horizontal level in coaxial manner toengage with the wheels 608 respectively. One of the rail members 602 ispositioned at different horizontal level of these two corresponding railmembers 602 in coaxial manner to couple with the blades 216, wherein thespacing coupler 610 is used for securing the three rail members 602 atdifferent horizontal levels.

In FIG. 17, for first scenery that the guiding rail 602 is formed at andintegrated with the upper rim 212, the two rail members 602 at samehorizontal level are embodied as an upper and outer rail member 602A andan upper and inner rail member 602B, wherein the upper and inner railmember 602B is coaxial with and positioned in the upper and outer railmember 602A. The outer wheel 608 runs at the upper and outer rail member602A and the inner wheel 608 runs at the upper and inner rail member602B. The rail member 602 at different horizontal level is embodied as alower rail member 602C positioned below the upper and inner rail member602B and the upper and outer rail member 602A and located between theupper and inner rail member 602B and the upper and outer rail member602A. The blades 216 are downwardly extended from the lower rail member602C. The spacing coupler 610 forms in triangular shape and has threecoupling arms coupled with the upper and outer rail member 602A, theupper and inner rail member 602B, and the lower rail member 602C. Thespacing coupler 601 keeps the distance among the upper and outer railmember 602A, the upper and inner rail member 602B, and the lower railmember 602C.

In FIG. 18, for second scenery that the guiding rail 602 is formed atand integrated with the lower rim 214, the two rail members 602 at samehorizontal level are embodied as a lower and outer rail member 602D anda lower and inner rail member 602E, wherein the lower and inner railmember 602E is coaxial with and positioned in the lower and outer railmember 602D. The outer wheel 608 runs at the lower and outer rail member602D and the inner wheel 608 runs at the lower and inner rail member602E. The rail member 602 at different horizontal level is embodied asan upper rail member 602F positioned above the lower and inner railmember 602E and the lower and outer rail member 602E and located betweenthe lower and inner rail member 602E and the lower and outer rail member602D. The blades 216 are upwardly extended from the upper rail member602F. The spacing coupler 610 forms in triangular shape and has threecoupling arms coupled with the lower and outer rail member 602D, thelower and inner rail member 602E, and the upper rail member 602F. Thespacing coupler 601 keeps the distance among the lower and outer railmember 602D, the lower and inner rail member 602E, and the upper railmember 602F.

For third scenery as a best mode that two guiding rails 602 are formedat and integrated with the upper and lower rims 212 and 214. Therefore,the blades 216 are extended between the lower rail member 602C and theupper rail member 602F.

FIG. 19 depicts another alternative of the rail frame 700 to guide theturbine rotor 204 to rotate circumferentially, wherein the rail frame700 is comprised of a plurality of spokes 702 radially and inwardlyextended from the turbine rotor 204 toward a center thereof and abearing hub 704 coupled with the spokes 702 to enable the turbine rotor204 being rotated circumferentially.

The spokes 702 can be radially, inwardly, and upwardly extended from theupper side of the turbine rotor 204, preferably from the upper rim 212thereof, wherein the bearing hub 702 is supported by the supportingframe 202 is operatively coupled with the upper ends of the spokes 702.

The spokes 702 can be radially, inwardly, and downwardly extended fromthe lower side of the turbine rotor 204, preferably from the lower rim214 thereof, wherein the bearing hub 702 is supported by the supportingframe 202 is operatively coupled with the lower ends of the spokes 702.

It is preferred the spokes 702 are extended from both the upper andlower sides of the turbines rotor 204, wherein two bearing hubs 704 areused to enable the turbine rotor 204 being rotated circumferentially.

In this case, the bearing hubs 704 can transfer the kinetic energy inform of mechanical energy from the turbine rotor 204 to the powerconverting system. It is preferred the spokes 702 are formed with ablade configuration to enhance the driving rotational power to theturbine rotor 204 in responsive to wind force exerting at the spokes702. That is to say, the rack-and-pinion system 402 can be operativelycoupled to the bearing hub 704 to transfer the kinetic energy in form ofmechanical energy from the turbine rotor 204.

FIG. 20 depicts another alternative of the turbine rotor 804, whereinthe turbine rotor 804 is comprised of a circular upper rim 812, acircular lower rim 814 spaced apart from the upper rim 812 and aplurality of blades 816 spacedly extended between the upper and lowerrims 812 and 814. In this alternative, the upper rim 812 forms an upperblade cap, wherein an upper end portion of each of the blades 816 (theupper blade tip) is held within the upper blade cap of the upper rim812. The lower rim 814 forms a lower blade cap, wherein a lower endportion of each of the blades 816 (the lower blade tip) is held withinthe lower blade cap of the lower rim 812. Therefore, the upper and lowerblade caps can secure the blades 816 in position to stop air spillingover the edge and tie all the blade tips together for added strength.

While the embodiments and alternatives of the present invention havebeen shown and described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, the power converting system can be incorporated with theturbine rotor and its alternatives, and the different configurations ofthe rail frame. They are all interchangeable.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wind turbine, comprising: a plurality ofturbine wheel systems, wherein each of said turbine wheel systemscomprises a supporting frame, a turbine rotor supported by saidsupporting frame, and a rail frame coupled to said supporting frame toguide a rotational movement of said turbine rotor, wherein said turbinerotor comprises a circular upper rim, a circular lower rim spaced apartfrom said upper rim and a plurality of blades extended between saidupper and lower rims, wherein said turbine rotor is driven to rotatealong said rail frame in responsive to wind force exerting at saidblades, wherein said turbine wheel systems are stackable that one ofsaid turbine wheel systems is stacked on top of another said turbinewheel system; and a plurality of power converting systems, each powerconverting system being operatively coupled with a corresponding one ofsaid plurality of turbine wheel systems for converting kinetic energy ofeach of said turbine rotors into useable energy selected from the groupconsisting of electrical energy and mechanical energy.
 2. The windturbine of claim 1 wherein each of said power converting systemscomprises a coil module and a magnet unit, said coil module supported bya corresponding supporting frame, said magnet unit supported on saidupper rim of said turbine rotor of a corresponding one of the turbinewheel systems and being spaced apart from said corresponding coilmodule, wherein when said turbine rotor is rotated along said railframe, said coil module is magnetically inducted with said magnet unitfor generating said electrical energy.
 3. The wind turbine of claim 2further comprising a turbine housing which comprises a top roof and acircumferential wall defining a plurality of airflow screens thereat,wherein said plurality of turbine wheel systems are received in saidturbine housing for enabling airflow passing through said airflowscreens to said blades in order to drive said turbine rotors to rotate.4. The wind turbine of claim 3 wherein each turbine rotor is configuredto rotate in a direction opposite to an adjacent turbine rotor.
 5. Thewind turbine of claim 4 wherein each of said supporting framescomprises: a circular top frame, wherein a corresponding coil module ismounted underneath said top frame; and a plurality of supporting postsdownwardly extended from said top frame to support said top frame abovesaid corresponding turbine rotor and to support said corresponding railframe below said turbine rotor.
 6. The wind turbine of claim 5 whereineach of said rail frames comprises a circular guiding rail supportedbelow a corresponding turbine rotor and a bearing unit coupled at saidcorresponding turbine rotor to enable said corresponding turbine rotorto travel along said guiding rail.
 7. The wind turbine of claim 2wherein each of said supporting frames comprises: a circular top frame,wherein a corresponding coil module is mounted underneath said topframe; and a plurality of supporting posts downwardly extended from saidtop frame to support said top frame above said corresponding turbinerotor and to support said corresponding rail frame below said turbinerotor.
 8. The wind turbine of claim 1 wherein each turbine rotor isconfigured to rotate in a direction opposite to an adjacent turbinerotor.
 9. The wind turbine of claim 1 wherein each of said rail framescomprises a circular guiding rail supported below a correspondingturbine rotor and a bearing unit coupled at said corresponding turbinerotor to enable said corresponding turbine rotor to travel along saidguiding rail.
 10. The wind turbine of claim 1 wherein said powerconverting system comprises: a rack-and-pinion system; and an energygenerator; wherein said rack-and-pinion system comprises: a rack unitoperatively coupled at each of said turbine rotors and a gear unitmeshed with said rack unit, wherein said gear unit is driven to rotatewhen said turbine rotor is rotated, said energy convertor operativelypowered by said gear unit for converting said useable energy.
 11. Thewind turbine of claim 10 further comprising a turbine housing whichcomprises a top roof and a circumferential wall defining a plurality ofairflow screens thereat, wherein said turbine wheel systems are receivedin said turbine housing for enabling airflow passing through saidairflow screens to said blades in order to drive said turbine rotors torotate and for reducing noise generated by said turbine rotors.
 12. Awind turbine, comprising: a plurality of turbine wheel systems, eachturbine wheel system comprising: a supporting frame; a turbine rotorsupported by said supporting frame, the turbine rotor comprising acircular upper rim, a circular lower rim spaced apart from said upperrim and a plurality of blades, each blade extending from the upper rimto the lower rim; and a rail frame coupled to said supporting frame andguiding a rotational movement of said turbine rotor; and a plurality ofpower converting systems, each power converting system operativelycoupled with a corresponding one of the plurality of turbine wheelsystems and comprising a generator for converting kinetic energy of thecorresponding turbine rotor into electrical energy or a motor module forconverting kinetic energy of the corresponding turbine rotor intomechanical energy; wherein a first one of the plurality of turbine wheelsystems is coupled to a top of a second one of the plurality of turbinewheel systems.
 13. The wind turbine of claim 12 wherein: the first oneof the plurality of turbine wheel systems is stacked on top of thesecond one of the plurality of turbine wheel systems such that a firstaxis of rotation of the first turbine wheel system is collinear with asecond axis of rotation of the second turbine wheel system.
 14. The windturbine of claim 12 wherein each of said power converting systemscomprises: a coil module coupled to a corresponding supporting frame;and a magnet unit coupled to the upper rim of the turbine rotor of acorresponding one of the plurality of turbine wheel systems and beingspaced apart from said corresponding coil module, wherein when saidturbine rotor is rotated along the corresponding rail frame, the magnetunit magnetically induces a current in the coil module.
 15. The windturbine of claim 14 wherein each supporting frame comprises: a circulartop frame coupled to a corresponding coil module; and a plurality ofsupporting posts, each supporting post extending from said top frame tothe corresponding rail frame.
 16. The wind turbine of claim 12 wherein:the plurality of blades of the first turbine wheel system are positionedto cause the corresponding turbine rotor to rotate in a first directionwhen exposed to airflow; and the plurality of blades of the secondturbine wheel system are positioned to cause the corresponding turbinerotor to rotate in a second direction when exposed to airflow, thesecond direction being opposite the first direction.
 17. The windturbine of claim 12 further comprising: a turbine housing acircumferential wall defining a plurality of airflow screens, whereinsaid plurality of turbine wheel systems are received in said turbinehousing.
 18. The wind turbine of claim 12 wherein each rail framecomprises: a circular guiding rail; and a bearing unit coupled to thecorresponding turbine rotor, wherein the bearing unit is supported bythe circular guiding rail.
 19. The wind turbine of claim 12 wherein eachof the plurality of power converting system comprises: a rack-and-pinionsystem comprising: a rack unit operatively coupled to the correspondingturbine rotor; and a gear unit coupled to said rack unit, wherein saidgear unit is driven to rotate when the corresponding turbine rotorrotates; wherein the corresponding generator is operatively coupled tothe gear unit.
 20. The wind turbine of claim 12 further comprising aturbine housing, the turbine housing comprising: a top roof; and acircumferential wall defining a plurality of airflow screens; whereinthe plurality of turbine wheel systems are positioned in the turbinehousing.